How to Stay Safe on the Right Side of the 50 Fathom Line

June 29 2017

Question: I have a question about the 50 fathom depth contour boundary for groundfish. I figured out the boundary is defined as a series of GPS waypoints at approximately the 50 fathom depth. Some areas seaward of the boundary are shallower than 50 fathoms (300 ft.) and some areas on the land side are greater than 50 fathoms. So, am I ok as long as I stay on the land side of this boundary no matter the depth? (Jeff L.)

Answer: Yes! A depth constraint means that during the open season, any species with depth restraints may only be taken or possessed in water depths shallower than the specified depth. Two specific definitions of “depth” apply off California. In waters shallower than 30 fathoms, “depth” is defined by general depth contour lines. In waters equal to or deeper than 30 fathoms, “depth” is defined by approximating a particular depth contour by connecting the appropriate set of waypoints adopted in Federal regulations (50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 660, Subpart C) (California CR Title 14, section 27.20(a)).